Picture choosen by: Mr.Aadu Sye Shopping in Tokyo ACCESORIES

1. Atelier Magic Theater
Run by three friends who craft jewellery in their studio, this shop sells bohemian-style work reflecting themes and patterns in nature. The jewellery lines range from plain-silver designs to sculptural work incorporating stones, wood and gold. Custom orders can also be arranged.

2. Haibara
Even Haibara's business cards are made from exquisite paper. Find gorgeous, high-quality washi and tiny treasures such as wallets, hand mirrors and mobile phone accessories made from printed paper in this jewellery box of a paper shop.

3. Kamawanu
Looking for a unique, compact present from Japan? Kamawanu specialises in tenugui , dyed cotton cloths that are surprisingly versatile. These beautifully patterned kerchiefs - motifs take in everything from Mt Fuji to musical notes and skeletons - can be used as decorative art, bath towels, scarves or gift wrap.

4. Mikimoto Pearl
Founded in 1899, Mikimoto Pearl was founded by the self-made Mikimoto Kokichi. At an early age he became fascinated with pearl divers and later developed the cultured pearl, building Mikimoto into the most famous of Tokyo's pearl shops. The store is located right next door to Wakō department store in Ginza.

5. Three Minutes Happiness
Three minutes' worth is guaranteed, but your mileage may vary. This discount shop sells clothes out of decommissioned grocery-store freezers, and makes the shopping experience fun as well as cheap. Downstairs are clothes, shoes and accessories, while lurking upstairs are inexpensive homewares and kitchen knick-knacks.

ART & ANTIQUES

1. Axis
Salivate over some of Japan's most innovative interior design at this Roppongi design complex. Of the 20-odd galleries and retail shops selling art books, cutting-edge furniture and other objets d'interior design, highlights are Yoshikin (3568-2356; 2nd fl) for beautifully crafted, inexpensive kitchenware.

2. Chicago Thrift Store
Stuffed to the rafters with funky hats, ties and coats, Chicago is a treasure trove of vintage clothing and used duds stacked high and priced low. Of special note is the extensive collection of used kimono and yukata in the basement.

3. Fuji-Torii
For more than half a century, this discriminating antique dealer has specialised in providing authentic lacquerware, ceramics, scrolls and ukiyo-e (wood-block prints) to interested buyers. Authenticity is guaranteed and there's a helpful English-speaking staff.

4. Japan Traditional Crafts Center
Apart from being a wonderful place to find high-quality souvenirs such as weavings, regional ceramics, washi (handmade paper) and wood work, this centre is a destination in its own right as a showcase for traditional crafts from all over Japan. Temporary exhibitions, demonstrations and classes are held on the 2nd floor.

5.Tolman Collection
For collectors keen on picking up some contemporary art, this well-established, estimable gallery represents a strong stable of printmakers both Japanese and foreign. Though the artists here exhibit a fairly broad range of styles ranging from abstract to representative, all of the work has a distinctly Japanese feel.

BOOKS

1. Kinokuniya Bookshop - Shinjuku
The popular Kinokuniya Bookshop is a great time killer. Here, you can pop in to browse its superb collection of foreign-language books and magazines on the 7th floor. And of course, this being Japan, no one will say anything to you if you decide to spend an hour or so reading something without buying it.

2. Mandarake - Nakano
A must-stop for manga maniacs, Mandarake has more than a dozen shops spread throughout the Nakano Broadway mall.

FASION

1. Bapexclusive
BAPE (A Bathing Ape) is no longer the madly exclusive brand that made it so desirable - this shop is testament to how underground designer Nigo's brand isn't , but how wildly successful it's become. BAPE has a dozen or so 'secret', hard-to-find shops around Harajuku and Aoyama; this one's a good starting point for brand fans and architecture buffs.

2. Beams
The Beams chain has spread across Japan and over to Hong Kong, but all the best of Beams - from basic to superstylish men's and women's clothes, accessories, cool housewares and a gallery - has been concentrated into the seven floors of this Shinjuku shop.

3. Blue & White
Amy Katoh, the expat American behind this small crafts store, sells traditional and contemporary items like indigo-dyed yukata (light cotton kimono or robe) and painted chopsticks, all in blue-and-white. Pick through tiny dishes of ceramic beads or collect bundled-up swatches of fabric for your own crafty creations.

4. Comme Des Garçons
The architectural eccentricity of Kawakubo Rei's flagship store should come as no surprise - her radical designs have been refiguring the fashion landscape for more than 20 years. Both men's and women's fashions are on display. Most available sizes are quite small, but a quick circuit of the shop is interesting in itself.

5. Evisu Tailor
In the early '90s, the detail-obsessed founder of Evisu began producing jeans the old-fashioned way, using rescued looms and weaving methods, helping to spawn the Japanese selvedge denim craze. At Evisu Tailor you can choose the pair you want and have the Evisu logo custom-painted on, or discreet denim-wearers can opt to go logoless.

6. Hayashi Kimono
This very friendly shop in the dowdy International Arcade under the railway has been selling quality kimono and yukata for over forty years. The former may run about around ¥100 in silk, and the latter (lightweight cotton) half that or even around ¥2800 - many are very colourful and make excellent gifts. Foreigner-friendly sizes are also available.

7. Uniqlo - Chuo-ku
Like Muji and the Gap, Uniqlo has made a name for itself by sticking to the basics. Offering inexpensive clothing with simple lines, this chain has opened over 80 stores in Tokyo. A convenient place to pop in for an extra set of cheap jeans or plain shirts.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

1. Ranking Ranqueen
Come here to find what young Japanese are nuts about - the hottest, quirkiest consumer products, ranked every month according to sales. The No. 1 selling teeth whitener? They've got it. The best-selling bath salts, bottled tea, cellulite killers and tools to make your face look smaller are all here too. Enjoy the madness.

SECOND HAND

1. Azabu-Jūban Antique Market
This flea market is held in the public square a block west of Azabu-jūban Station.

2. Hanazono-Jinja Flea Market
A good mix of old and new feature at this market, ranging from antique ceramics to new junk jewellery and used yukata (light cotton summer kimono).